JP6479477B2 - Shunt device in a lighting control system that does not use neutral wires - Google Patents

Description

  [0001] The present invention is generally directed to a lighting control system that does not use neutral wires, and more specifically, uses a shunt device to provide power flow to the control when the load is turned off. The present invention is directed to such a lighting control system.

  [0002] In many conventional lighting systems, a machine that turns a lighting unit on or off by making or breaking an electrical connection between a load that includes the lighting unit and a "hot" wire that carries power from an AC utility power source. Target wall switches are used. Thus, the mechanical wall switch does not require a connection to the neutral wire from the AC utility to turn the lighting unit on and off, but with an input terminal connected to the "hot" wire that carries the power from the AC utility. (If the switch turns on the lighting unit, it should have an output terminal to supply this power to the load. (For safety reasons, the machine wall switch also has no power to the wall switch or the load. It may not have a supply and may have a ground wire connected to the ground). Because of this, in many existing buildings, neutral wires from AC utility power are not supplied to junction boxes or other locations where mechanical wall switches are provided, and wires to "hot" wires and loads Only at this position (Similarly, there may also be an earth wire supplied which does not supply any power to the switch or the load for safety reasons and may be connected to earth).

  [0003] Here, the load may include one or more lighting units, each lighting unit being a lighting driver and one or more light sources, such as incandescent lamps, fluorescent lamps (such as small fluorescent bulbs), one or more light sources And the like. The load may or may not further include a ballast.

  [0004] As the demand for energy savings becomes more stringent with the demand for intelligent lighting systems, electronic controllers that use electronic switching and dimming capabilities are substituted for simple mechanical wall switches in residential and commercial installations Things are increasing more and more. The operation of such an electronic controller is similar to that of a mechanical wall switch, but the electronic circuitry inside the lighting controller allows the electronic controller to perform additional functions such as relay ON or OFF switching, dimming, wireless communication etc. . Thus, unlike a simple mechanical wall switch, the electronic lighting controller requires some energy for proper operation.

  However, if an electronic controller is connected instead of a mechanical wall switch before the load, the maximum available power of the electronic controller is determined by the leakage current and characteristics of the load in series with the electronic controller. In certain cases, for example, with a dimming ballast with very low leakage current, when the load is off, there is not enough leakage current through the electronic controller to keep the electronic switch operating properly. As a result, the lighting system may not operate properly.

  FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram of a conventional lighting control system 100 that illustrates this problem. The lighting control system 100 includes a load 120 and an electronic controller 130.

  The load 120 may include one or more lighting units and / or a motor (eg, for an indoor fan). The lighting units may each include a lighting driver and one or more light sources, such as incandescent lights, fluorescent lights (such as small fluorescent bulbs), one or more light emitting diodes (LEDs). The load 120 may further include or may not include a ballast. The load 120 has a first load terminal and a second load terminal, and is configured to receive a load voltage between the first load terminal and the second load terminal, and further includes the first load terminal and the second load terminal. The load current is configured to flow between the two load terminals.

  Electronic controller 130 is an external power supply 105 (eg, AC commercial power supply) that outputs an AC voltage between a first power terminal 110 and a second power terminal (eg, N (neutral) terminal) 112. It has a single input terminal connected to the first power terminal 110 via a wire (for example, a black wire). Also shown is a ground wire (eg, a green wire) 114 connected to ground that supplies no power to either the controller 130 or the load 120. Electronic controller 130 further has a single output terminal connected to the first load terminal of load 120 by a wire (eg, red wire). The second load terminal of the load 120 is connected to the N terminal 112 of the external power source 105 by a wire (for example, a neutral wire, which may be a white wire).

  When the electronic controller 130 is in the ON state to supply power to the load 120, the load 120 can receive 100% of the input voltage supplied from the external power supply 105 as its load voltage. When the electronic controller 130 is in the OFF state to disable the load 120, the voltage across the load 120 will be zero.

  However, the situation can be complicated because the electronic controller 130 is an electrical device that requires power to operate. When the electronic controller 130 is in the ON state and the load voltage applied to the load 120 is 100% of the input voltage supplied from the external power supply 105, the voltage applied to the electronic controller 130 is 0 and the electronic controller 130 is in the ON state for a long time Can not keep up. On the other hand, when the electronic controller 130 is in the OFF state, no load voltage is applied to the load 120, and no current flows through the load 120. However, this means that there is no or very little current flowing through the electronic controller 130, so if more energy is needed, the electronic controller 130 can not keep the OFF state.

  [0011] To solve these problems, some electronic controllers are designed to adjust the time intervals when they are in the ON and OFF states. When the electronic controller is in the ON state, the electronic controller switches to the OFF state for a short time (for example, OFF for 2 ms per 10 ms ON period), and during this time the electronic controller is 100% You can receive power and feed yourself. On the other hand, when the electronic controller is in the OFF state, the electronic controller maintains a small amount of leakage current flowing through the load, which allows the electronic controller to supply itself as well.

  However, with the development of technology and the further increase of features such as wireless communication required for lighting control, the power consumption of the electronic controller is significantly increased, and the inherent leakage current of the load itself is in the OFF state. Not enough to power the electronic controller.

  [0013] FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram of another lighting control system 200 provided to attempt to solve this problem. The lighting control system 200 is identical to the lighting control system 100 except that the lighting control system 200 includes an external capacitor 210 connected between the load terminals of the load 120. The external capacitor 210 can provide a leakage current path for the electronic controller 130, whether the electronic controller is in the ON state or in the OFF state. The larger the capacitor, the more leakage current can be sent to the electronic controller 130 to support more current and power consuming operations (e.g., receiving radio control signals).

  However, if the electronic controller 130 includes a TRIAC-based device, also known as a tip dimmer, the external capacitor 210 causes catastrophic damage to the TRIAC in terms of the huge inrush current of each cycle. Also, the external capacitor 210 shifts the phase of the voltage and current on the load side, making the phase cut of the dimming operation uncontrollable.

  [0015] Accordingly, it is desirable to provide a lighting control system that can supply the necessary leakage current to the controller when the controller is in the OFF state and is deactivating the load powered by the controller.

  [0016] The present disclosure is directed to the inventive method and apparatus for providing the necessary leakage current to the controller when the controller is in the OFF state and disabling the load powered by the controller.

  In general, in one aspect, a system includes an electronic controller and a shunt device. The electronic controller comprises at least one single input terminal connected to the first power terminal of the external power supply outputting an AC voltage between the first power terminal and the second power terminal of the external power supply A load comprising a light source and having a first load terminal and a second load terminal, wherein the second load terminal is connected to the second power terminal of the external power supply, and the load is the first load terminal. A first load terminal capable of receiving a load voltage between the second load terminal and the second load terminal and passing a load current between the first load terminal and the second load terminal; A single output terminal connected to a load terminal, configured to control at least one of the load voltage and the load current to selectively power the load and disable the load. . The shunt device includes a bleeder circuit, and a shunt device including a switching device that selectively connects the bleeder circuit between the output terminal of the electronic controller and the second power terminal of the external power supply. Including. The switching device connects the bleeder circuit between the output terminal of the electronic controller and the second power terminal of the external power supply when the electronic controller is in the OFF state, and the output of the electronic controller is output. It is configured to provide a current path between a terminal and the second power terminal of the external power supply. The switching device is configured to disconnect the bleeder circuit between the output terminal of the electronic controller and the second power terminal of the external power supply when the electronic controller is in the ON state.

  [0018] In one embodiment, the switching device is a voltage measuring device connected between the switch in series with the bleeder circuit and the first load terminal and the second load terminal, the load voltage being measured If the load voltage measured while the controller is in the OFF state is lower than the first threshold voltage, close the switch and connect a bleeder circuit between the output terminal of the controller and the second power terminal of the external power supply Provide a current path between the output terminal of the controller and the second power terminal of the external power supply, and control the switch if the load voltage measured while the controller is in the ON state exceeds the threshold voltage. And a voltage measurement device that opens and disconnects the bleeder circuit between the output terminal of the electronic controller and the second power terminal of the external power supply.

  [0019] In another embodiment, the switching device is a switch in series with the bleeder circuit and a current measuring device for measuring the load current, closing the switch if the measured load current is lower than the threshold current, Connect a bleeder circuit between the output terminal of the controller and the second power terminal of the external power supply, provide a current path between the output terminal of the controller and the second power terminal of the external power supply, and measure the load A current measurement device that causes the switch to control open when the current exceeds a threshold current and disconnects the bleeder circuit between the output terminal of the electronic controller and the second power terminal of the external power supply.

  [0020] According to an optional feature of the embodiment, the current measuring device is connected between the output terminal of the electronic controller and the first load terminal.

  [0021] According to any other features of the embodiments, the current measuring device is connected between the second load terminal and a second power terminal of the external power supply.

  According to another embodiment, the electronic controller includes a dimming circuit to adjust the amount of power supplied to the load.

  [0023] According to another embodiment, the electronic controller includes a wireless receiver that receives the wireless signal and controls an amount of power supplied to the load in response to the wireless signal.

  [0024] According to another embodiment, the second power terminal of the external power supply is directly connected to the load.

  [0025] According to another embodiment, the second power terminal of the external power supply is connected to the load via the switching device.

  [0026] According to another embodiment, the controller is mounted at a location in the building where the connection to the second power terminal is not provided, and the shunt is separated from the controller and at least one foot away There is.

  [0027] According to another embodiment, when the electronic controller transitions from the OFF state to the ON state, the switching device is, after a delay of at least 100 ms, the output terminal of the electronic controller and the second power terminal of the external power supply. Disconnect the bleeder circuit between

  [0028] Generally, in another aspect, a load having first and second load terminals from an external power supply that outputs an AC voltage between the first power terminal and the second power terminal of the external power supply Power supply to a load capable of receiving a load voltage between the first load terminal and the second load terminal and allowing current to flow between the first load terminal and the second load terminal A method is provided for The method comprises, for the controller controlling at least one of the load voltage and load current to selectively power and deactivate the load, the controller output terminal and the external power supply when the controller is in the OFF state Connecting a bleeder circuit between the second power terminal of the circuit, the bleeder circuit providing a current path between the output terminal of the controller and the second power terminal of the external power supply; Disconnecting the bleeder circuit between the output terminal of the controller and the second power terminal of the external power supply when in the ON state.

  [0029] In one embodiment, the method comprises the steps of measuring a load voltage, comparing the measured load voltage to a threshold voltage, and, if the measured load voltage is lower than the threshold voltage, an output terminal of the controller Connecting a bleeder circuit between the second power terminal of the external power supply and, if the measured load voltage exceeds the threshold voltage, bleeder between the output terminal of the controller and the second power terminal of the external power supply And disconnecting the circuit.

  [0030] According to another embodiment, a method includes the steps of measuring a load current, comparing the measured load current to a threshold current, and outputting the controller if the measured current is less than the threshold current. Connecting a bleeder circuit between the terminal and the second power terminal of the external power supply, and between the output terminal of the controller and the second power terminal of the external power supply if the measured current exceeds the threshold current And disconnecting the bleeder circuit.

  [0031] According to another embodiment, the controller is mounted at a location in the building where the connection to the second power terminal is not provided, and the shunt is separated from the controller and at least one foot away There is.

  [0032] According to another embodiment, the step of disconnecting the bleeder circuit between the output terminal of the controller and the second power terminal of the external power supply when the controller is in the ON state comprises turning on the controller from the OFF state. When transitioning to the state, after a 100 ms delay, disconnecting the bleeder circuit between the output terminal of the controller and the second power terminal of the external power supply.

  [0033] Generally, in another aspect, a single power supply connected to a first power terminal of an external power supply that outputs an AC voltage between the first power terminal and the second power terminal of the external power supply The device is configured to be connected to an output terminal of a controller having an input terminal. The device includes a bleeder circuit and a switching device that detects whether the controller is supplying power to the load or disabling the load. The switching device connects a bleeder circuit between the output terminal of the controller and the second power terminal of the external power supply when the controller is in the OFF state, and the bleeder circuit connects the output terminal of the controller to the second power supply It is configured to provide a current path to the power terminal. The switching device is further configured to disconnect the bleeder circuit between the output terminal of the controller and the second power terminal of the external power supply when the controller is in the ON state.

  [0034] According to one embodiment, the switching device is a switch in series with the bleeder circuit and a voltage measuring device connected between the first load terminal and the second load terminal of the load, the load measuring device comprising: Measure the voltage and if the measured load voltage is lower than the threshold voltage, close the switch and connect a bleeder circuit between the output terminal of the controller and the second power terminal of the external power supply, and with the output terminal of the controller A current path is provided between the external power supply and the second power terminal, and the switch is controlled to open when the measured load voltage exceeds the threshold voltage, the output terminal of the electronic controller and the second of the external power supply And a voltage measuring device for disconnecting the bleeder circuit to and from the power terminal.

  [0035] According to another embodiment, the switching device is a switch in series with the bleeder circuit and a current measuring device for measuring the load current, closing the switch if the measured load current is lower than the threshold current. A bleeder circuit connected between the output terminal of the controller and the second power terminal of the external power supply, providing a current path between the output terminal of the controller and the second power terminal of the external power supply, and measuring And a current measuring device that causes the switch to control open when the load current exceeds the threshold current and disconnects the bleeder circuit between the output terminal of the electronic controller and the second power terminal of the external power supply.

  According to another embodiment, the switching device is configured to connect the second power terminal of the external power supply to the load.

  [0037] According to another embodiment, the controller is mounted at a location in the building where the connection to the second power terminal is not provided, and the shunt is separated from the controller and at least one foot away There is.

  [0038] According to another embodiment, when the controller transitions from the OFF state to the ON state, the switching device is, after a delay of 100 ms, between the output terminal of the controller and the second power terminal of the external power supply. Disconnect the bleeder circuit.

  [0039] As used herein for the purpose of the present disclosure, the term "LED" refers to any electroluminescent diode or other type of carrier capable of generating radiation in response to an electrical signal. It should be understood to include carrier injection / junction-based systems. Thus, the term LED includes, but is not limited to, various semiconductor-based structures that emit light in response to current, light emitting polymers, organic light emitting diodes (OLEDs), electroluminescent strips, and the like. In particular, the term LED refers to emission in one or more of the infrared spectrum, the ultraviolet spectrum, and various parts of the visible spectrum (which typically includes emission wavelengths from about 400 nanometers to about 700 nanometers) Refers to all types of light emitting diodes (including semiconductor and organic light emitting diodes) that are capable of generating Some examples of LEDs include, but are not limited to, various types of infrared LEDs, ultraviolet LEDs, red LEDs, blue LEDs, green LEDs, yellow LEDs, amber LEDs, orange LEDs, and white LEDs (below I will describe in detail). Also, LEDs can have various bandwidths (eg, full width at half maximum (FWHM)) (eg, narrow bandwidth, wide bandwidth) for a given spectrum, and a given common color. It should be understood that it may be configured and / or controlled to generate radiation having various dominant wavelengths within the classification.

  [0040] For example, one embodiment of an LED that produces essentially white light (e.g., a white LED) emits different spectra of electroluminescent luminescence that each combine together to form essentially white light. Include multiple dies. In another embodiment, a white light LED is associated with a phosphor material that converts electroluminescence having a first spectrum into a different second spectrum. In one example of this embodiment, electroluminescence having a relatively short wavelength and narrow bandwidth spectrum "pumps" the phosphor material such that the phosphor material has a longer wavelength emission with a somewhat broader spectrum Radiate.

  [0041] It should be understood that the term LED does not limit the physical and / or electrical package type of the LED. For example, as mentioned above, an LED may refer to a single light emitting device having multiple dies (e.g. individually controllable or uncontrollable) each emitting radiation of a different spectrum. Also, an LED may be associated with a phosphor considered as an integral part of the LED (e.g., a type of white LED). In general, the term LED refers to packaged LEDs, non-packaged LEDs, surface mounted LEDs, chip-on-board LEDs, T-package mounted LEDs, radial package LEDs, power package LEDs, certain types of casing and / or optical elements ( For example, it refers to an LED including a diffusion lens).

  [0042] The term "light source" is not limited to LED-based light sources (including one or more LEDs as defined above), incandescent light sources (eg, filament lights, halogen lights), fluorescent light sources, phosphorescent Light source, high intensity discharge light source (eg sodium vapor lamp, mercury vapor lamp and metal halide lamp), laser, other types of electroluminescence source, pyroluminescence source (eg flame), candle luminescence source (eg gas mantle light source) , Carbon arc radiation source), photoluminescence source (eg, gaseous discharge source), cathodoluminescent source using electronic saturation, galvanoluminescence source, crystallo-luminescent source , Kine-luminescent source, thermoluminescent source, tribo luminescence It should be understood to refer to any one or more of a variety of radiation sources, including triboluminescent sources, sonoluminescent sources, radioluminescent sources, and luminescent polymers. It is.

  [0043] The term "lighting driver" is used herein to refer to a device that provides power to one or more light sources in a form and causes the light sources to emit light. In particular, the lighting driver receives a first type of power (e.g. AC mains power, fixed DC voltage etc) and the power in a second format adapted to the requirements of the light source (e.g. LED light source) to be driven Supply.

  [0044] As used herein, the term "lighting module" refers to a circuit board (eg, a printed circuit board) on which one or more light sources are mounted, and one or more associated electronic components such as sensors, current sources, etc. A module comprising: and is used to refer to a module configured to be connected to a lighting driver. Such a light module may be connected to a light fixture or a slot in a motherboard on which a light driver may be provided. As used herein, the term "LED module" may include a circuit board (e.g., a printed circuit board) on which one or more LEDs are mounted, and one or more associated electronic components such as sensors, current sources, etc. A module is used to refer to a module configured to be connected to a lighting driver. Such a light module may be connected to a slot in the light fixture or a motherboard where a light driver may be provided.

  [0045] The term "lighting unit" is used herein to refer to a device that includes one or more light sources of the same or different types. A given lighting unit may have any one of various light source attachment methods, housing / housing configurations and shapes, and / or electrical and mechanical connection configurations. Also, a given lighting unit may optionally be associated with (eg, include, combined, and / or together) various other components related to the operation of the light source (eg, control circuitry, lighting drivers) Packaged). "LED-based lighting unit" refers to a lighting unit that includes one or more LED-based light sources as described above, alone or in combination with other non-LED-based light sources.

  [0046] As used herein, the term "lighting fixture" is an implementation or configuration of one or more lighting units of a particular form factor, assembly, or package, which may be associated with (eg, including) other components Used to refer to an implementation or configuration of lighting units that are combined and / or packaged together.

  [0047] The term "controller" is used herein to generally refer to various devices associated with the operation of one or more light sources. The controller may be implemented in many ways (eg, such as by dedicated hardware) to perform the various functions discussed herein. A "processor" is an example of a controller using one or more microprocessors that can be programmed with software (e.g., microcode) to perform the various functions discussed herein. The controller may be implemented with or without a processor, and may also be dedicated hardware that performs some functions and processors that perform other functions (eg, one or more programmed microprocessors and associations) May be implemented as a combination of Examples of controller components that may be used in various embodiments of the present disclosure include, but are not limited to, conventional microprocessors, application specific integrated circuits (ASICs), and field-programmable gate arrays (FPGAs). including.

  [0048] When an element is referred to as being "connected" or "coupled" to another element, the element may be directly connected or coupled to the other element or there may be intervening elements present . In contrast, when an element is referred to as being "directly connected" or "directly coupled" to another element, there are no intervening elements present.

  [0049] With the understanding that the patent applicant may be his own lexicographer, the "two-wire connection" used herein is explicitly referred to as a connection using exactly two wires or terminals. It is defined. As used within the meaning of the present specification and claims, "two-wire connection" obviously does not include connections using three (or more) wires.

  [0050] It is understood that all of the above concepts and combinations discussed in more detail below (provided that such concepts do not conflict with each other) are considered to be part of the inventive subject matter disclosed herein. Should. In particular, all combinations of claimed subject matter present at the end of the present disclosure are considered to be part of the inventive subject matter disclosed herein. Also, the terms specifically used herein, which may appear in any document incorporated by reference, should be given the meaning that is most consistent with the particular concepts disclosed herein. It is.

  [0051] In the drawings, like reference characters generally refer to the same parts or parts throughout the different views. Also, the drawings are not necessarily to scale, emphasis instead generally being placed upon illustrating the principles of the invention.

[0052] FIG. 1 is a wiring diagram of a conventional lighting control system. [0053] FIG. 2 is a schematic of another conventional lighting control system. [0054] FIG. 3 is a wiring diagram of one embodiment of a lighting control system having a controller that does not use a neutral wire according to the present invention. [0055] FIG. 4 is a schematic diagram of a second embodiment of a lighting control system having a controller that does not use a neutral wire according to the present invention. [0056] FIG. 5 is a schematic diagram of a third embodiment of a lighting control system having a controller that does not use a neutral wire according to the present invention. [0057] FIG. 6 is a wiring diagram of a fourth embodiment of a lighting control system having a controller that does not use a neutral wire according to the present invention.

  [0058] As noted above, a controller for selectively powering a load often utilizes only one wire or connection to a single power terminal of the controller and an external power supply feeding the load. Installed in a possible position (ie no neutral wire supplied). In these installations, there is no return from the controller to the external power source other than through the load itself. Therefore, it is necessary to provide the controller with a current return when the controller is off and the load is invalid.

  [0059] Therefore, it is beneficial for the applicant to provide a bypass current path between the output terminal of the controller and the second power terminal of the external power supply when the controller is in the OFF state and the load is nullified. Recognized and understood. Also, when the controller powers the load in the ON state, it may be beneficial to disconnect or disable the bypass current path between the output terminal of the controller and the second power terminal of the external power supply. This may prevent wasted power consumption in the bypass current path when the controller is supplying power to the load.

  [0060] In light of the above, various embodiments and implementations of the present invention are between the output terminal of the controller and the second power terminal of the external power supply when the controller is disabling the load in the OFF state. A shunt device that can be connected to the output terminal of the controller that can provide a bypass current path. Other embodiments and implementations are directed to lighting control devices that include such shunt devices. Other embodiments and implementations enable the bypass current path between the output terminal of the controller and the second power terminal of the external power supply when the controller is in the OFF state and disabling the load, and the controller is in the ON state The present invention is directed to a method of disconnecting or invalidating a bypass current path between an output terminal of a controller and a second power terminal of an external power supply when power is supplied to the load.

  [0061] FIG. 3 is a functional block diagram of an embodiment of a lighting control system 300 having a controller 330 that does not use neutral wires. System 300 includes a load 320, a controller 330, and a shunt device 340.

  The load 320 may include one or more lighting units and / or a motor (eg, for an indoor fan). Each lighting unit may include a lighting driver and one or more light sources, such as incandescent lamps, fluorescent lamps (small fluorescent bulbs), one or more light emitting diodes (LEDs). The load 320 may or may not further have a ballast. The load 320 has a second load terminal 322 and a second load terminal 324, and is configured to receive a load voltage between the first and second terminals 322 and 324, and further includes the first and second load terminals 322 and 324. And 324 are configured to flow current.

  [0063] The controller 330 is configured to output an AC voltage between the first power terminal 310 and the second power terminal (for example, neutral terminal) 312. The first power of the external power source 305 (for example, AC commercial power source) It has a single input terminal 332 connected to the terminal 310 via a wire (for example, a black wire). For safety reasons, a ground wire (not shown) connected to ground may also be provided which supplies no power to either controller 330 or load 320. The controller 330 further has a single output terminal 334 connected by a wire (eg, a red wire) to the first load terminal 322 of the load 320. The second load terminal 324 of the load 320 is connected to the second (e.g., neutral) power terminal 312 of the external power supply 305 by a wire (e.g., a neutral wire, which may be a white wire).

  [0064] In some embodiments of the lighting control system 300, the controller 330 may be mounted within the junction box or the wall of a building, and located at a distance from the load 320 (eg, a distance of one to several feet) It may be done. In some embodiments, the connection to the second (e.g., neutral) power terminal 312 of the external power supply 305 is not provided at or available at the location where the controller 330 is mounted or located. Only the connection to the first power terminal 310 is available (e.g. via a so-called "hot" wire). In some embodiments, the shunt device 340 may be co-located with the load 320. In some embodiments, the diverter device 340 may be provided in a luminaire or may be housed with a lighting device that includes the load 320.

  [0065] In some embodiments, the controller 330 is configured to supply power to the load 320 in response to a dimming signal (which may be, for example, a user adjustable knob or slide control setting of the controller 330). It is an electronic controller that includes a light control circuit to adjust the amount. In some embodiments, controller 330 includes a wireless receiver configured to receive a wireless signal including data and / or commands for controller 330 to control the amount of power supplied to load 320. .

  [0066] The shunt device 340 is connected to the output terminal 334 of the controller 330 and is also connected to the second (eg, neutral) terminal 312 of the external power supply 305 via a wire (eg, a neutral wire, which may be a white wire). It is connected. The shunt device 340 includes a bleeder circuit 342 and a switching device that includes a switch 344 and a switch control 346. In some embodiments, bleeder circuit 342 may be comprised of a resistor, eg, a 1 kΩ resistor. In some embodiments, switch 344 may include a transistor switch, such as a field effect transistor (FET), in particular a metal oxide semiconductor field effect transistor (MOSFET). Beneficially, in some embodiments, switch 344 is configured to have a switching time of less than 10 ms.

  Electronic controller 330 is operatively configured to control at least one of the load voltage and load current to selectively power and deactivate load 320. As noted above, controller 330 may control load voltage and / or load current in response to a dimming input (eg, by a user operating a knob or slider) or in response to a wireless control signal or the like. .

  [0068] The switch control 346 is configured to determine when the electronic controller 330 is in the OFF state and disabling the load 320. If the switch control 346 determines that the electronic controller 330 is in the OFF state and is deactivating the load 320, the switching device, in particular the switch 344 has the output terminal 334 of the electronic controller 330 and the second power of the external power supply 305 (for example, A bleeder circuit 342 connected between it and the terminal 312 to provide a leakage current path between the output terminal 334 of the electronic controller 330 and the second power (eg, neutral) terminal 312 of the external power supply 305 obtain. Also beneficially, if the switch control 346 determines that the electronic controller 330 is in the ON state and powering the load 320, the switching device, and in particular the switch 344, the output terminal 334 of the electronic controller 330 and the external power supply 305. And the second power (e.g., neutral) terminal 312 of FIG. In some embodiments, when the electronic controller 330 switches to the ON state, the switch 344 may be turned off immediately to disconnect the path including the bleeder circuit 342. However, because some lighting drivers in some loads 320 take some time (e.g., 100 ms) to ignite the lights, they maintain proper operation of electronic controller 330 during the initial ON phase. May not be able to draw enough current. Thus, in some embodiments, the switch 344 may be disconnected after a short delay until the load 320 is fully conductive and able to draw sufficient current for the controller 330.

  [0069] FIG. 4 is a functional block diagram of a second embodiment of a lighting control system 400 having a controller that does not use neutral wires. Lighting control system 400 is similar to lighting control system 300 except that shunt device 440 replaces shunt device 340. The shunt device 440 may be an embodiment of the shunt device 340.

  [0070] Similar to the lighting control system 300, in some embodiments of the lighting control system 400, the controller 330 may be mounted within a junction box or a wall of a building, at a location away from the load 320 (e.g. It may be arranged at a distance of several feet. In some embodiments, the connection to the second (e.g., neutral) power terminal 312 of the external power supply 305 is not provided at or provided at the location where the controller 330 is attached or located. It is not possible and only a connection to the first power terminal 310 is available (eg via a so-called "hot" wire). In some embodiments, the shunt device 440 may be co-located with the load 320. In some embodiments, the diverter device 440 may be provided internally of the light fixture or may be housed with a lighting device that includes the load 320.

  [0071] The shunt device 440 is connected to the output terminal 334 of the controller 330 and via a wire (eg, a neutral wire, which may be a white wire) to the second (eg, neutral) terminal 312 of the external power supply 305 It is connected. The shunt device 440 is further connected between the load terminals 322 and 324 of the load 320. The shunt device 440 includes a bleeder circuit 442 and a switching device that includes a switch 444 and a voltage measurement device (eg, an operational amplifier) 446. In some embodiments, bleeder circuit 442 may be comprised of a resistor, eg, a 1 kΩ resistor. In some embodiments, switch 444 may include a transistor switch, such as a field effect transistor (FET), particularly a MOSFET. Beneficially, in some embodiments, switch 444 is configured to have a switching time of less than 10 ms.

  [0072] The shunt device 440 is operatively configured to determine when the electronic controller 330 is in the OFF state and disabling the load 320. For example, the shunt device 440 may determine that the electronic controller 330 is in the OFF state when the load voltage across the load 320 is less than the minimum dimming voltage. If the switch control 344 determines that the electronic control 330 is in the OFF state and is deactivating the load 320, the switching device, in particular the switch 444, the output terminal 324 of the electronic controller 330 and the second power of the external power supply 305 (e.g. A bleeder circuit 442 is connected between and neutral terminal 312 to provide a leakage current path between the output terminal of electronic controller 330 and the second power (eg neutral) terminal 312 of external power supply 305. You may Also beneficially, if the shunt device 440 determines that the electronic controller 330 is in the ON state and powering the load 320, the switching device, particularly the switch 444, is the output terminal 334 of the electronic controller 330 and the external power supply 305. And the second power (e.g., neutral) terminal 312 of FIG.

  [0073] More specifically, when controller 330 is in the OFF state, the load voltage between loads 322 and 324 of load 320 is expected to be zero, but the leakage current flowing through the loop causes the load voltage to It can vibrate and be charged up to about 100% of the input voltage of the external power supply 305 at a particular time. However, since the power is very limited, it switches the bleeder circuit 442 between the loads 320 the moment the load voltage is charged to a certain threshold, eg 50% of the input voltage from the external power supply 305 (eg 56V) When the 444 is connected, the leakage voltage is significantly reduced and is not charged to 100% of the input voltage again. Thus, in this way, the shunt device 440 can keep the load voltage low when the controller 330 is in the OFF state, preventing unintended activation of the load 320, and more by the controller 330. And can support higher power consumption of the controller 330.

  [0074] When the controller 330 is in the ON state, the shunt device 440 distributes power at the moment when the load voltage drops below a threshold, eg, 50% (eg, 56 V) of the input voltage from the external power supply 305 Load voltage, which is not caused by the leakage current as in the case where the controller 330 is in the OFF state, the load voltage is not pulled down and continues to rise. When the voltage reaches and exceeds the high threshold, for example 70% of the input voltage from the external power supply 305, the shunt device 440 recognizes that the controller is in the ON state and deactivates the bleeder circuit 442 via the switch 444. Or disconnect and stop the distribution of power. The enabled load 320 then provides current to the controller 330 for powering.

  [0075] FIG. 5 is a functional block diagram of a third embodiment of a lighting control system having a controller that does not use neutral wires. The lighting control system is the same as the lighting control system 300 except that the shunt device 540 replaces the shunt device 340. The shunt device 540 may be an embodiment of the shunt device 340.

  [0076] Similar to the lighting control system 300, in some embodiments of the lighting control system 500, the controller 330 may be mounted within a junction box or a wall of a building, at a location away from the load 320 (e.g. Can be placed a few feet away). In some embodiments, the connection of the external power supply 305 to the second (e.g. neutral) power terminal 312 is not at or supplied to the location where the controller 330 is attached or located. No, only the connection to the first power terminal 310 is available (e.g. via a so-called "hot" wire). In some embodiments, the shunt device 540 may be co-located with the load 320. In some embodiments, the shunt device 540 may be provided inside the luminaire, or may be housed with a lighting device that includes the load 320.

  [0077] The shunt device 540 is connected to the output terminal 334 of the controller 330 and via a wire (eg, a neutral wire, which may be a white wire) to the second (eg, neutral) terminal 312 of the external power supply 305 It is connected. The shunt device 540 is further connected to the second load terminal 324 of the load 320. The shunt device 540 includes a bleeder circuit 542 and a switching device that includes a switch 544 and a current measurement device 546. In some embodiments, the bleeder circuit 542 may consist of a resistor, for example a 1 kΩ resistor. In some embodiments, switch 544 may include a transistor switch, such as a current effect transistor (FET), particularly a MOSFET. Beneficially, in some embodiments, switch 544 is configured to have a switching time of less than 10 ms.

  [0078] The shunt device 540 is operatively configured to determine when the electronic controller 330 is in the OFF state and disabling the load 320. When the shunt device 540 determines that the electronic controller 330 is in the OFF state and invalidates the load 320, the switching device, in particular, the switch 544 is the output terminal 334 of the electronic controller 330 and the second power of the external power supply 304 (e.g. Between the output terminal 334 of the electronic controller 330 and the second power (e.g., neutral) terminal 412 of the external power supply 305. obtain. Also beneficially, when the shunt device 540 determines that the electronic controller 330 is on and powers the load 320, the switching device, and in particular the switch 544, is connected to the output of the electronic controller 330 and the third power supply 305. The bleeder circuit 542 is configured to be disconnected from between the two power (e.g., neutral) terminals 312.

  [0079] In some embodiments, current measuring device 546 may measure the load current and compare it to the threshold current, and if the load current is less than the threshold current, shunt device 540 causes controller 330 to be in the OFF state. It may be determined that the switch 544 is controlled to connect a bleeder circuit 542 between the output terminal 334 of the electronic controller 330 and the second power (eg, neutral) terminal 312 of the external power supply 305, A leakage current path may be provided between the output terminal 334 of the controller 330 and the second power (e.g., neutral) terminal 312 of the external power supply 305. In some embodiments, shunt device 540 may determine that controller 330 is in the ON state if the load current is greater than the threshold current, and controls switch 544 to control output terminal 334 of electronic controller 330 and the external The bleeder circuit 542 may be disconnected from between the second power (e.g., neutral) terminal 312 of the power supply 305.

  [0080] In the lighting control system 500, between the second load terminal 324 and the second power (eg, neutral) terminal of the external power supply 305, which may be connected by a wire (eg, neutral wire or white wire). A current measurement device 546 is connected.

  [0081] FIG. 6 is a functional block diagram of a fourth embodiment of a lighting control system 600 having a controller that does not use a neutral wire. The difference between the lighting control system 600 and the lighting control system 500 is that, in the lighting control system 600, the current measuring device 546 of the shunt device 540 separates the output terminal 334 of the electronic controller 330 and the first load terminal 322 of the load 320. In that it is connected between

  [0082] While several embodiments have been described and illustrated herein, one of ordinary skill in the art may or may not perform one or more of the functions and / or results and / or one or more to perform the functions disclosed herein. Various means and / or structures may be easily conceived to obtain the benefits of Each such variation and modification is considered to be within the scope of the inventive embodiments disclosed herein. More generally, one of ordinary skill in the art is intended to be illustrative of all the parameters, dimensions, materials, and configurations disclosed herein, and actual parameters, dimensions, materials, and / or configurations are: It will be readily understood that the inventive teachings depend on the particular application used. One of ordinary skill in the art will recognize or be able to ascertain numerous equivalents of the specific inventive embodiments disclosed herein without requiring more than routine experimentation. Accordingly, it is understood that the above embodiments have been presented by way of example only, and that the inventive embodiments can be practiced in a manner different from that specifically described and claimed within the scope of the appended claims and equivalents. I want to be The inventive embodiments of the present disclosure are directed to each individual feature, system, article, material, kit, and / or method disclosed herein. Also, where such features, systems, articles, materials, kits, and / or methods do not conflict with one another, any combination of two or more of such features, systems, articles, materials, kits, and / or methods are disclosed in the present disclosure. Included in the inventive scope.

  [0083] It is to be understood that all definitions defined and used herein govern the definitions of the dictionary, the definitions in the document incorporated by reference, and / or the ordinary meaning of the defined terms.

  [0084] In the present specification and claims, unless clearly indicated to the contrary, an element is to be understood as meaning "at least one" element.

  [0085] The phrase "and / or" as used in the present specification and claims refers to "one or both" of the elements to which it is attached, ie, in some cases jointly, in other cases Should be understood to mean elements that exist separately. A plurality of elements listed by " and / or " should be understood as well, i.e. as " one or more " of the elements to be combined. Elements other than elements specifically identified by the phrase "and / or" may optionally be present, and may or may not be related to elements specifically identified.

  [0086] In the present specification and claims, the phrase "at least one" associated with the listing of one or more elements is at least one selected from any one or more elements within the listing of elements. It should be understood to mean an element, not necessarily including at least one of all the elements specifically listed in the element list, and not excluding any combination of elements in the element list. Also, this definition allows an optional element other than the elements specifically identified in the list of elements to which the phrase "at least one" relates, and may be related to the elements specifically identified. But it may be irrelevant.

  Also, unless expressly stated to the contrary in any claimed method including one or more steps or operations, the order of the method steps or operations is not necessarily the order in which the method steps or operations are listed. It is not limited.

  [0088] Also, if reference signs are in parentheses in the claims, they are merely for convenience and should be understood as not to limit the scope of the claims in any way.

Claims (23)

A single input terminal connected to the first power terminal of the external power supply that outputs an AC voltage between the first power terminal and the second power terminal of the external power supply;
A load comprising at least one light source and having a first load terminal and a second load terminal, said second load terminal being connected to said second power terminal of said external power supply, said load being The load of the load capable of receiving a load voltage between the first load terminal and the second load terminal and passing a load current between the first load terminal and the second load terminal. possess a single output terminal coupled to the first load terminal, an electronic controller that will be connected in place of a mechanical wall switch,
Optionally, when the electronic controller is in the ON state corresponding to ON of the mechanical wall switch, the load is supplied with power, and the electronic controller is in the OFF state corresponding to OFF of the mechanical wall switch The electronic controller controlling at least one of the load voltage and the load current to disable the load;
A series circuit including a bleeder circuit serially connected to a switch, the first terminal directly connected to the output terminal of the electronic controller and the second power terminal of the external power supply directly connected A shunt device including the series circuit having a second terminal, and a switch control device for controlling the switch;
A system that includes
The switch control device is configured such that, when the electronic controller is in the OFF state corresponding to the OFF of the mechanical wall switch and the load is power off, the output terminal of the electronic controller and the second of the external power supply Connecting the bleeder circuit to a power terminal to provide a current path between the output terminal of the electronic controller and the second power terminal of the external power supply;
The switch control device may further include the output terminal of the electronic controller and the external power supply when the electronic controller is in the ON state corresponding to the ON of the mechanical wall switch and the load is on. A system for disconnecting the bleeder circuit between two power terminals. The switch control device
A voltage measuring device connected between the first load terminal and the second load terminal, the voltage measuring device measuring the load voltage, measuring while the electronic controller is in the OFF state When the load voltage is lower than a threshold voltage, the switch is closed to connect the bleeder circuit between the output terminal of the electronic controller and the second power terminal of the external power supply, and the electronic controller Providing the current path between the output terminal of the second power source and the second power terminal of the external power source, and the measured load voltage exceeds the threshold voltage while the electronic controller is in the ON state; The switch is controlled to open and disconnect the bleeder circuit between the output terminal of the electronic controller and the second power terminal of the external power supply. The system according to. The switch control device
And a current measuring device for measuring the load current, the current measuring device closing the switch and, when the measured load current is lower than a threshold current, the output terminal of the electronic controller and the external power supply The bleeder circuit is connected between the second power terminal and the current path between the output terminal of the electronic controller and the second power terminal of the external power supply, and the measured load 2. The method according to claim 1, wherein if the current exceeds the threshold current, the switch is controlled to open and disconnect the bleeder circuit between the output terminal of the electronic controller and the second power terminal of the external power supply. The system described in.   The system of claim 3, wherein the current measurement device is connected between the output terminal of the electronic controller and the first load terminal.   The system according to claim 3, wherein the current measuring device is connected between the second load terminal and the second power terminal of the external power supply.   The system of claim 1, wherein the electronic controller includes a dimming circuit to adjust an amount of power supplied to the load.   The system of claim 1, wherein the electronic controller includes a wireless receiver that receives a wireless signal and controls an amount of power supplied to the load in response to the wireless signal.   The system of claim 1, wherein the second power terminal of the external power supply is directly connected to the load.   The system according to claim 1, wherein the second power terminal of the external power supply is connected to the load via the switch control device.   The electronic controller is mounted in a building at a position where no connection to the second power terminal is provided, and the shunt device is separated from the electronic controller by at least one foot. The system described in.   When the electronic controller transitions from the OFF state to the ON state, the switch control device delays between the output terminal of the electronic controller and the second power terminal of the external power supply after a delay of at least 100 ms. The system of claim 1, wherein the bleeder circuit is disconnected at. A load having first and second load terminals from the external power source outputting an AC voltage between the first power terminal and the second power terminal of the external power source, the load having the first load terminal; A method of receiving a load voltage between the second load terminal and supplying power to the load capable of causing a load current to flow between the first load terminal and the second load terminal. ,
A bleeder circuit connected in series with a switch, selectively powering the load and controlling at least one of the load voltage and the load current to deactivate the load , instead of a mechanical wall switch providing a series circuit having a first terminal directly connected to the output terminal of the connected Ru electronic controller, and a second terminal directly connected to said second power terminal of the external power supply,
When the electronic controller is in the OFF state corresponding to the OFF of the mechanical wall switch and the load is power off, between the output terminal of the electronic controller and the second power terminal of the external power supply Operating the switch to connect the bleeder circuit, the bleeder circuit providing a current path between the output terminal of the electronic controller and the second power terminal of the external power supply;
When the electronic controller is in the ON state corresponding to the ON of the mechanical wall switch and the load is power on, between the output terminal of the electronic controller and the second power terminal of the external power supply Operating the switch to disconnect the bleeder circuit. Measuring the load voltage;
Comparing the measured load voltage to a threshold voltage;
Connecting the bleeder circuit between the output terminal of the electronic controller and the second power terminal of the external power supply if the measured load voltage is lower than the threshold voltage;
Disconnecting the bleeder circuit between the output terminal of the electronic controller and the second power terminal of the external power supply if the measured load voltage exceeds the threshold voltage. The method of 12. Measuring the load current;
Comparing the measured load current to a threshold current;
Connecting the bleeder circuit between the output terminal of the electronic controller and the second power terminal of the external power supply if the measured current is less than the threshold current;
Disconnecting the bleeder circuit between the output terminal of the electronic controller and the second power terminal of the external power supply if the measured current exceeds the threshold current. The method described in.   13. The electronic controller according to claim 12, wherein the electronic controller is mounted in a building at a position where no connection to the second power terminal is provided, and the bleeder circuit is separated from the electronic controller by at least one foot. Method described.   When the electronic controller is in the ON state, the step of disconnecting the bleeder circuit between the output terminal of the electronic controller and the second power terminal of the external power source is performed by the electronic controller from the OFF state 13. The method of claim 12, further comprising the step of disconnecting the bleeder circuit between the output terminal of the electronic controller and the second power terminal of the external power supply after a delay of 100 ms when transitioning to the ON state. Method described. Have a single input terminal connected to the first power terminal of the external power source that outputs an AC voltage between the first power terminal and second power terminal of an external power source, the mechanical wall switch a device connected to the output terminal of the electronic controller that will be connected in place of,
A series circuit including a bleeder circuit serially connected to a switch, the first terminal directly connected to the output terminal of the electronic controller and the second power terminal of the external power supply directly connected The series circuit having a second terminal;
A switch control device for detecting whether the electronic controller is supplying power to the load or disabling the load, and controlling the switch;
The switch control device is configured such that, when the electronic controller is in the OFF state corresponding to the OFF of the mechanical wall switch and the load is power off, the output terminal of the electronic controller and the second of the external power supply Connecting the bleeder circuit to a power terminal, the bleeder circuit providing a current path between the output terminal of the electronic controller and the second power terminal of the external power supply;
In the switch control device, when the electronic controller is in the ON state corresponding to the ON of the mechanical wall switch and the load is power on, the output terminal of the electronic controller and the second of the external power supply A device for disconnecting the bleeder circuit between power terminals. The switch control device
The voltage measurement device includes a voltage measurement device connected between a first load terminal and a second load terminal of the load, the voltage measurement device measures a load voltage, and the measured load voltage is lower than a threshold voltage. When the switch is closed and the bleeder circuit is connected between the output terminal of the electronic controller and the second power terminal of the external power supply, the output terminal of the electronic controller and the external power supply are connected. Providing said current path between said second power terminal, and controlling said switch to open when said measured load voltage exceeds said threshold voltage, said output terminal of said electronic controller and said external 18. The device of claim 17, wherein the bleeder circuit is disconnected between the second power terminal of a power supply. The switch control device
A current measuring device connected to measure the load current, the current measuring device closing the switch and, if the measured load current is lower than a threshold current, the output terminal of the electronic controller and Connecting the bleeder circuit between the second power terminal of the external power supply to provide the current path between the output terminal of the electronic controller and the second power terminal of the external power supply; If the measured load current exceeds the threshold current, the switch is controlled to open and disconnect the bleeder circuit between the output terminal of the electronic controller and the second power terminal of the external power supply The device according to claim 17.   18. The device of claim 17, wherein the switch control device causes the second power terminal of the external power supply to connect to the load.   18. The device of claim 17, wherein the bleeder circuit comprises a resistor.   18. The electronic controller according to claim 17, wherein the electronic controller is mounted in a building at a position where no connection to the second power terminal is provided, and the bleeder circuit is separated from the electronic controller by at least one foot. Device described.   When the electronic controller transitions from the OFF state to the ON state, the switch control device delays between the output terminal of the electronic controller and the second power terminal of the external power supply after a delay of 100 ms. 18. The device of claim 17, wherein the bleeder circuit is disconnected.